I have also had experience in telephone counselling for Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care .

Previous to this,I worked in the voluntary sector for several years, counselling Young people from the ages of 14 to 22. Here I gained valuable experience of working with self-harm, eating disorders, drug, alcohol use, sexual and psychological trauma, bullying and obsessive and intrusive thoughts. I also learned a lot from these young client’s about how they experience life in a culture that is dominated by social media – both the positive and the destructive aspects.

I have also counselled for an organisation that counsels carers. Here I gained a deeper understanding of the difficulties and joys of caring for people who have a wide range of problems, ranging from caring for children with autism , to parents with dementia , and partners and children with mental health problems. The frustrations arising from not feeling heard and the loneliness of taking on such a responsibility for others.

Prior to my counselling training I worked for a charity organisation, teaching refugee children, who were often traumatised and disorientated. Prior to this I was a primary school teacher .